Befriending
Befriending involves getting to know somebody new.
Some services can put two people in touch with each other in order to offer mutual support. Some organisations recruit befrienders who are trained to offer support regularly. This contact can take place over the phone, online, or in person.
The service can provide regular company and a chance to participate in social activities.
Social activities can be based in the community or online. Some people make new friends and gain companionship over the phone and participate in activities such as letter writing, book clubs and conversations.
To give you an impression of what befriending might be like, watch a video about befriending, provided by Royal Voluntary Service in Sheffield.
Befriending Services
Below are some befriending services available in Camden for older people.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line provides a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and support to older people, from 8am - 7pm, every day of the year.
Freephone: 0800 470 80 90
Email: info@thesilverline.org.uk
Website: The Silver Line Helpline
Henna Asian Women’s Group
Henna Asian Women's Group provide a telephone befriending service, including in person chats over coffee, shopping and support with GP appointments.
Email: momota@hennaorg.co.uk
Number: 07538 127 988
North London Cares
North London Cares provide a Social club with activities held on Zoom or in person for people over 65.
Website: https://northlondoncares.org.uk/make-a-referral
Telephone: 020 7118 3838
Re-engage
Re-engage provide a telephone befriending service to people aged 75 and over.
Website: Social activity groups for older people & befriending service (reengage.org.uk)
Freephone: 0800 716 543
Third Age Project
Third Age Project provide a telephone befriending service for residents aged 50 and over in the West Euston area.
Website: www.thirdageproject.org.uk
Contact number: 020 7383 4922
Email: info@thirdageproject.org.uk
Age UK Telephone Friendship Service
Age UK Telephone Friendship Service is for people over 60.
Website to sign up today: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/
Age UK Camden - Dementia Befriending Service
Age UK Camden's dementia befriending service is a telephone service.
Email: dementia.wellbeing@ageukcamden.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7239 0400
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/our-services/dementia-support/dementia-befriending/
Opening Doors London Befriending Service for LGBTQ+
Opening Doors is a telephone befriending service for the LGBTQ+ community aged 50 and over who would like to receive weekly phone calls.
Telephone: 020 7239 0400
Email: befriending@openingdoorslondon.org.uk
Website: https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/befriending
Age UK Camden Good Neighbours Scheme
The Good Neighbours Scheme is for residents in NW3 and Primrose Hill. The scheme includes making home visits.
Email: gns@ageukcamden.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7239 0400